Pointillist asemics by Donmay Donamayoora

Asemic text by Donmay Donamayoora (Connecticut, USA)

I have always been interested in a niche I have identified in asemic art/writing that I call asemic pointillism. Perhaps I complicate my own explanation by making a connection to a very wonderful painting style (Pointillism) but which does not equate perfectly to the actual work of a few asemic writers. Perhaps instead I should call this niche "Dot Asemics" & acknowledge its debt to minimalism & abstraction. I hope some of this will add to the appreciation & understanding, even produce some new experiments, in a promising area of asemics. 

In terms of an operational definition, these two new pieces by Asemic Front contributor & acclaimed visual poet Donmay Donamayoora are ideal & representative of why I adore pointillist asemics. I am thrilled to have these great pointillist examples for AF2. I vow to put together a posting of my fave pointillist asemics; however, they are fairly uncommon & I will have to do some archive diving. (If you have done some, contact me please!) 

Donmay Donamayoora uses color, repetition, & linear & geometric pattern to create a work that is language- & text-suggestive. The linear patterns of dots suggest syntax and/or prosody. Pontilist asemics often have a formalist 0r structuralist aspect. The use of dot arrangements defies recognizable signification but still offers the possibility that the work is somehow "readable." The presence of slashes & smaller strokes above the dots adds expression & displaces the work somewhat from the sterile rows of red & black, uniform dots that a more minimalist approach might produce. 

As far as I am concerned, either approach (pure minimalist 0r added abstraction) could yield fine results. Donmay has made a choice in these pieces. Again, I am thrilled to be able to share them on Asemic Front 2.

- De Villo Sloan

By Donmay Donamayoora